If you are going to store your belongings in a self-storage unit, you are probably wondering whether or not they are insured. After all, the unit could catch on fire, be broken into, or be otherwise damaged, leaving your valuable property at risk. The good news is that most self-storage companies offer insurance, but before you purchase it, make sure you really need it.

Insurance Is Not Automatic
The first thing to understand about self-storage insurance policies is the fact that they are not automatically applied to your belongings. Some companies have policies already in place, and if they do, the cost of your rental will cover the insurance premium. However, this is rare. Most companies are competing to get your business by having the lowest possible rate, and as such they do not build insurance into the cost. This will only cause them to lose business to companies advertising lower rates. However, you can usually get insurance if you want it, but you will have to pay for it.

Of course, some items are covered under the insurance policy the building’s owner has. For instance, fire is typically covered under the owner’s insurance policy. Theft and weather damage, such as the damage that may occur if there is a tornado or windstorm, is not necessarily part of this coverage.

You May Not Need It
If you own your own home and have a homeowner’s insurance policy, you may not need insurance on your items in storage. Before you sign up for the insurance policy offered by the storage company, check with your current insurance provider. Your insurance policy likely covers your possessions, and this may include possessions store off of your property. Most insurance policies cover all of the property of the homeowner no matter where it is in the world. Of course, your deductible and any exclusions that apply to the homeowner’s policy also apply to the items you are storing, so if you feel that your belongings will not be adequately insured, be sure to purchase the policy.

Of course, if you are using the storage unit to store a vehicle, this will not be covered under your homeowner’s policy. Almost all homeowner’s policies exclude the vehicles that the property owner has. This makes the need for automotive insurance more real. If the car is not insured, then purchasing the additional insurance policy is a good idea.

Most renters’ insurance policies work in a similar way. Since they insure the “contents” of the rental home, they also protect the belongings you put in storage. Again, check with your current insurance provider to determine what coverage you already have before you purchase the coverage offered by the rental unit.

What if You Are Not Covered?
If you do not have an existing insurance policy that will cover your belongings while in storage, you will have to decide whether or not the cost of the rental unit insurance is worthwhile. The only way to do this is to determine how valuable the items you will be storing are, how upset you will be if you lose them, and then choosing whether or not the cost of the policy make sense in light of the value of your belongings.

Keep in mind that you are not protected, even if the rental unit’s owner allows you to rent without insurance. Even the best security measures can be overcome, and no one can protect your belongings from a natural disaster. If something happens to the building, your belongings will be lost, and you will be left with nothing. If you do not want to see this happen, consider purchasing insurance for the items you place in self storage.

Remember to always ask your Toronto Self Storage company to provide you with a written insurance policy.

Moving can be a very stressful time in a person’s life, especially if he or she has not hired appropriate help to move their furniture. Piano moves can be especially stressful, because the mover needs to have special knowledge and skills to safely move the piano. In this article I have outline a few frequently asked questions about piano moving in order to help understand what is involved in moving a piano and prepare you with the information to choose the right mover.

At the end of the article, I have listed some questions that you can ask to help you choose your piano mover, as well as the information that you should have ready in order for the mover to be sufficiently prepared for your move.

Why do I need to hire a professional piano mover?

Many of you may be wondering why you would need to hire a professional piano moving company to move your piano, rather than using the household mover who is moving the rest of the contents of your house. The main reason for hiring a professional piano mover is that many household movers do not have adequate training or equipment to properly move a piano.

The average upright piano weighs between 400 and 900 pounds. Grand pianos can weigh between 650 and 1300 pounds. The value of a piano can vary from a few hundred dollars to 500,000 dollars depending on the make, model, age and condition of the piano. The majority of piano moves involve moving the instrument through a tight space such as a small door frame or staircase. In some cases, the piano may need to be dismantled in order to get it out of your house. Using and experienced professional piano mover will drastically minimize the risk of damage to the instrument and to your home.

As a piano mover, I have come across many cases where a customer has hired a household piano mover to move their piano and has had to make an emergency call to us because the household mover could not get the piano out of his or her house. In other cases, I have received calls from customers who had hired a non-reliable piano mover because their price was much lower, and had to book an emergency move with us, because that piano mover did not show up to move their piano or call to explain why they were not there.

How are pianos moved?

When you hire a professional piano mover, you can expect 2-3 people to come to your home equipped with piano skids, moving pads, ramps, slings, and the knowledge of how to move your piano safely. They will use special techniques to maneuver the piano out of your house. When the piano is put on the truck, it will be safely secured to the vehicle in order to avoid damage during transport.

In the most difficult moves, 4-6 people may be used. Generally when a piano is moved by someone other than a professional piano mover, this equipment, knowledge and these safety precautions are not employed. While hiring a professional piano mover does not completely eliminate the risk of damage, it will drastically reduce this risk. Furthermore, a good piano mover will assess the situation and inform you if there is a chance of damage before he or she begins the move, and will give you the option of proceeding or not.

Are all professional piano movers equal?

Unfortunately, as in any trade, each piano moving company varies in their level of quality and experience. Some piano movers are better equipped and more prepared than others and act with more care and integrity than others. The best way to find a good piano mover is to call around to your local piano stores, piano technicians and piano teachers to find out which company they use.

Piano stores in particular have a high stake in ensuring that they use reliable, high quality piano movers who have the least risk of damaging their instruments and are properly insured in the event that the unforeseen does happen.

Are all piano movers similarly insured?

Sadly, the answer to this question is no.

There are 3 types of insurance to consider when hiring a piano mover:
1. Commercial/automotive insurance: Is the company insured against damage to property and or vehicles?

2. Cartage/content insurance: Is the company insured against damage to the piano?

3. Workman’s Safety Insurance: Is the company insuring its workers against injury?
Some piano moving companies are insured for 1 or 2 of these types of insurance, but not all 3. It is the buyer’s responsibility to make sure that he/she is properly insured, not the moving company. It is a good idea to ask about these 3 types of insurance when you are phoning piano moving companies, and also to ask what amount of insurance your piano will be covered for.

A properly insured moving company should provide you with a Bill of lading, which is a legal document stating what is being moved, the names of all parties involved in the move, where the piano is being moved from and to, and the full declared insured value of the instrument.

The Bill of lading should also include the moving company’s terms of cartage. As a legal document, a proper bill of lading helps to ensure that the piano mover will repair any damages that were incurred during the move (unless a damage waiver was signed). It is also important to note that any damage caused to your piano or your property must be noted on the bill of lading to ensure that you have proper recourse if any action is needed.

Why is worker injury important to me?

You may be wondering why it is important that you ensure that the piano mover you hire has Workman’s Safety Insurance. When you contract a moving company, they are considered your employee for the time that they are working for you.

If you hire a moving company that is not covered for Workman’s Safety Insurance, you are accepting full liability for any employees who are injured while working for you. Your liability will extend to medical bills, lost wages and possibly civil law suits. A company who is covered for Workman’s Safety Insurance will take care of most of these problems for you. Some companies do not pay their required insurance premiums and are therefore not covered for all injury insurance claims.

You may ask the company that you are hiring to provide you with an up-to-date workman’s safety insurance clearance certificate, in order to ensure that you are properly covered. To be absolutely sure that the moving company’s coverage is up to date, you can contact your local Workman’s Compensation or Workman’s Safety Insurance board to check on the company’s status.

Does moving the piano affect the sound of my piano?

The actual move of the piano does not affect the sound or tuning of a piano. Generally piano tuning is affected by changes in temperature and humidity which cause the wooden and steel parts of your piano to expand and contract. You will probably need to tune your piano a few weeks after moving it, after it acclimatizes to its new location.

Other factors that may affect the sound of your piano are the size and acoustics of the room in which the piano is located. Carpet absorbs sound, while hardwood reflects it. Sound reinforces in small spaces, seeming louder, while in large spaces the sound gets lost, seeming quieter.

How much does it cost to move a piano?

Piano moving is generally billed in one of two ways:

1. The household mover way – hourly rate, with a minimum number of hours (usually min. = 3 hours)

2. The professional piano mover way – flat rate based on the following factors:

a. Type (upright, grand) and size of piano
b. Distance being moved

c. Difficulty level due to stairs, grass pulls, tight turns etc.

d. Time restraints place on the move

e. Waiting time that might be incurred.

The advantage of a flat rate system is that, barring any unforeseen events, you be able to get an accurate idea of what the move will cost you before the movers arrive at your house and it is often less expensive than the hourly rate.

How much notice do I need to give the Piano Mover?

The amount of notice needed will depend on when and where you need the piano to be moved. Most piano movers book their deliveries on a first come, first served basis. If it is a high traffic time of year, you may need up to one month’s notice. In a lower traffic time of year, you may only need one or two day’ notice. Generally, if you need your piano moved on a specific day, you should book the delivery well in advance to make sure it’s available to you.

Below are listed some recommended questions to ask when you are looking to hire a piano mover:

1. How long have you been moving pianos?

2. Do you have any references?

3. Do you have full-time, trained staff moving pianos for you?

4. How do you charge for moving, and what are your rates?

5. What days of the week do you move pianos, and what is your availability?

6. Are you covered for Commercial/automotive insurance, Cartage/content insurance, and workman’s safety insurance?

7. Will you provide me with a copy of your workman’s safety insurance clearance certificate?

8. What amount will my piano be insured for during the move? What does this insurance cover?

9. What are your terms of cartage? Will you provide me with a copy?

10. Will I be provided will a bill of lading when my piano is moved?

Listed below is the information that you should have prepared when you book your piano move:

1. What type of piano is it that you require to be moved? (Upright or Grand Piano)

2. What size of piano is it? (upright pianos are measured by height [floor to lid] and grand pianos are measured by longest length [keyboard to curve in bow end])

3. Where is it being picked up from? (Have full address including postal or zip code)

4. Where is it being delivered to? (Have full address including postal or zip code)

5. Are there any stairs that the piano needs to go up or down (inside and outside)? If so, how many? Are they straight, spiraled or curved? Based on what you tell the piano mover, he/she will tell you how many people they believe it will accomplish your move. Missing important details or difficulties, or miss-estimating your move based on the information you have provided could mean that your piano move might not happen that day, and could incur you more charges.

6. When are you looking to have the piano moved?

7. Are there any time restraints involved? (As time-restraints tend to hamper the efficiency of the mover’s day, placing a time-restraint on the mover could more than double your cost.)

8. Inform the piano mover of any problems that you can foresee ahead of time.

The more information you can provide the piano mover, the more accurate your quote will be. If you are vague and provide few details, do not be surprised if you incur extra charges for your move. A good, reputable piano mover will make the process as painless as possible for you and usually be the highlight and most stress-free part of your whole moving process. They key is ensuring that the mover meets all of your requirements and providing them with the information they need to help you properly.

Piano Movers Toronto

These two words may seem like an odd couple until you start to think about all the moving pods you have seen. Odds are you have seen a number of pods moving in and around Toronto. In addition, many of you have seen them sitting on someone’s driveway or in the back of their yard. These modern marvels are quickly replacing more conventional ways of travel because of the benefits they provide.

One of the most significant benefits is their moving capabilities. Although at first glance, you might not think much of these “pods”. The reality is they are designed with efficiency, safety, and transportation in mind. This combination of qualities is great for moving companies and homeowners alike who benefit because moving companies can get lower costs due to better transportation efficiencies.

Pods maximize space efficiencies

The almost square like design is naturally great for the loading of your belongings. However, this crate like design is also valuable because it makes it easy to lift the pod into a trailer or truck. This can then be hauled to the new location or even placed on a train to be shipped across country. This intermodal functionality is a benefit for homeowners who previously would have been limited to using rental moving trucks and vans. These vehicles have their value, but they do not provide the same type of storage and transportation bonuses. Simply put, you will benefit from the efficiency gains earned by your moving company by using moving pods. Plus, you let others handle the driving of your items. This is a welcome sight for many who are unfamiliar with driving larger vehicles.

Pods are made for safety

Most pods are designed to keep the elements out. This means you can rest easy knowing your belongings will stay protected when they are shipped to their destination. The durable design of the crates will keep your belongings free of wind, rain, and mud. This is a natural concern for many homeowners when they think of the valuable items in these crates. The good news is pods were made with this thought in mind when they built its structure to keep the elements out.

Pods are made for transport

As mentioned previously, the design of the moving pods is great for allowing the pods to be easily lifted onto another vehicle whether it be a truck, trailer, or train. The other benefit of this process is the pod is given more protection because it does not absorb the hits, dips, bumps and other road obstacles the same way a regular rental truck would. Because it is situated on another vehicle, the underlying vehicle whether it is truck, trailer, or train takes the hit while the pod is left relatively unimpacted. This means your pod is giving your belongings more protection than they would get if you were moving your belongings in a rental moving truck or van.

With these fantastic advantages, you can reasonably expect to continue to see pods moving early and often around your town or city and on our nation’s highways.

Moving Pods Toronto

Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipment
Auto transport companies have guidelines that you must follow when preparing your vehicle for shipment. Different companies have slightly different rules but we have created a general guide that will help you get ready for your vehicle relocation.

1. You or a proxy must be present for an inspection prior to shipment and also at the point of destination. The transport company will have you sign a condition report and bill of lading. The company may require that the vehicle be clean so a proper and thorough inspection can be conducted.
2. The vehicle must be operable. If the vehicle is not operable you must let the transport company know beforehand. Some companies will transport inoperable vehicles for an additional fee.
3. Hand over a complete set of car keys on shipping day and make sure they are only your car keys.
4. Disable your alarm system before shipping your vehicle. It is easy for the alarm to become active during transit, which may result in a dead battery upon arrival.
5. Prepare to have your gas tank less than half full.
6. Remove all personal belongings from the vehicle before transport. It is against the law to transport vehicles with personal items and most shipping companies will refuse to accept a vehicle with personal items. If it is essential for you to leave something in the car, keep it in a secure location that is out of sight. Keep in mind that the shipper will not be liable for any personal items left inside the vehicle. A spare tire and jack is not considered a personal item and may be shipped inside the car.
7. Remove: Car cover. Spare tire covers. Roof rack. EZ pass. Protruding antennas and any non-permanent items.
8. If possible, have your vehicle serviced prior to shipment in order to make sure your car is free from any fluid leaks. You may also want to prepare your vehicle for a new climate. Think about adding coolant or other fluids and having the air condition or heating systems serviced.

Following these general guidelines will help ensure a successful vehicle relocation, but remember, these are just guidelines. You should always double-check the rules with the auto mover that you choose.

Toronto Movers

Packing your items for a self storage unit doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Don’t let the stress of packing get to you. With early planning, you’ll be sure to experience a carefree move. Below are some useful packing tips that can help you save money, time, and your possessions.

Start Early When Packing your Items for a Self Storage Facility

To ensure you are renting the right sized storage unit, self storage facilities recommend starting as early as possible with the packing process. Use this time to sort through, separate, and organize everything you want to keep and store. Before you start packing, make sure you have tossed anything you no longer want or need.

Another step in the planning process is organizing and inventorying your packing supplies. If you have not done so already, make sure you have purchased all of your packing supplies. You’ll need the following materials: durable boxes, packing tape, markers, bubble wrap, and a lock. If you don’t have these items currently, you’ll be able to purchase them at the self storage facility.

Packing for a Self Storage Unit:

Now that you have all of your packing supplies, you should be constructing boxes, stacking newspaper and fitting furniture with covers. Self storage facilities recommend starting with one room at a time so you don’t get burned out. At this point you can start preparing the following:

- Disassemble anything you canto save space.

- Label every box with its contents, the date and the room it came from.

- Mark boxes with breakables as “fragile.”

- Use bubble wrap and/or newspaper to wrap fragile items.

- Put Styrofoam peanuts in boxes before you put in your breakables.

- Placing smaller boxes in larger boxes. This will help you make fewer trips.

- Remove wheels from everything with wheels to save on space.

- Tape nuts and bolts to the piece of furniture it belongs to. This will help you stay better organized.

- Mark heavier boxes with their weight to avoid injury.

- Make sure all boxes are completely sealed.

- Pack a separate “emergency” box with things you’ll need during the move. (like extra tape, markers and bubble wrap).

Moving Your Items to a Self Storage Company

Now that you have completed the packing process, it’s time for you to start moving your belongings to the self storage company. Moving your items into a self storage unit does not have to be tricky. You want to make sure you fill your space safely and to its capacity. The following tips can help you safely and efficiently pack a self storage unit:

- Use hand carts (two wheelers) to move–doing so will save your back.

- Avoid using plastic garbage bags as a storage container. Plastic bags can promote mildew and damage your valuables.

- Store longer items vertically.

- Store glass and mirrors between mattresses. This will cushion and protect the mirrors.

- Place heavier items to the bottom and smaller and lighter things on top.

- Place items that you will rarely need in the back of your unit and the items that you will likely need access to at the front of your unit..Utilize the front area for odd shaped objects.

- Stack chairs on top of each other when possible.

- Group similar items together, keep room specific boxes together when possible.

Many people find that packing their things strategically helps them find items when needed and without confusion. If you need additional help moving your items into your unit, a self storage company can provide additional help.

Self Storage Next Steps:

These tips can help you move your items into a self storage unit. Whether you intend to keep your items in self storage for the long term, or for a short time, using these hints will help ensure your items stay organized and protected, and you’ll be able to find your items when you need them.

Toronto Self Storage

FOR THE RECORD - Obtaining copies of your medical records including your dentist, veterinarian and vaccine/immunization information can often be overlooked. In some cases, a notarized letter is required to receive the official documentation so you may need to contact the American Medical Records Association to determine your state’s procedure.

FOR THE RECORD II - Your child’s permanent school record can’t follow him or her through life if it’s left behind. Also, school records are usually required when registering your child at their new school. Often times, copies will not be sufficient and records with a raised seal will be necessary.

OLD PHONE NUMBERS - Pack phone books from your old town. You may think that you’ll remember the numbers that you frequently call now, but most likely, you’ll spend a small fortune on directory assistance charges to contact old friends, or tie up loose ends.

TAKEN TO THE CLEANERS - Remember to complete transactions with local businesses, such as picking up your dry cleaning.

WHERE YOU’RE MOVING TO - In the flurry of preparing for the move, you may often forget your forwarding address - important information when forwarding periodicals and credit card bills, and keeping in touch with old friends. Always keep your new address handy in your wallet or purse.

SPIC AND SPAN - Although your focus will be on your new home or apartment, you can’t forget about preparing the old residence for your exit. Remember to leave out cleaning supplies for the final “once over” before closing the door for good, or make arrangements in advance for a service to clean it for you.

THE OPENER - Often times people will forget to take the electric garage door opener out of their car before leaving. Remember to leave the opener for the new tenants or owners.

REMEMBER ROVER - In most cases, moving companies cannot transport animals or plants. Don’t forget to make arrangements for their transfer as well.

BANK ON IT - Many people forget to retrieve important documents from their safe deposit box. It is also wise to establish a checking account in your new town about a month prior to your move so that you have immediate access to your account.

KEYS TO SUCCESS - Collecting spare house keys can often be forgotten. Whether it means getting them from neighbors who kept them, or retrieving them from under the rock next to the front door, don’t forget to gather all sets before you depart.

Toronto Movers | Storage | Tips

 Thinking of selling your house?  Below are secrets we have stolen from the pros and shared with you so that you may turn your home into a hot commodity.

1. Clean like a demon.
Wash floors, walls, windows, and inside the stove, fridge and cupboards. Tip: Wash window frames to boost natural light, and hang clean drapes. Good-looking windows can be left bare.

2. Get (un)personal.
Take down every single family or personal photo. Leave artwork, but remove personal knick-knacks and clutter. Don’t pare back so much that the room has no personality.

3. Do small repairs.
Re-grout yellowing tilework and replace chipped linoleum. Professionally clean carpets, or rent a steamer and do it yourself.

4. Paint.
A fresh coat of paint is the easiest and most inexpensive way to give your home a facelift. Try these neutral colours from Benjamin Moore (every brand has something similar): Feather Down OC-6, Natural Cream OC-14, Nantucket Grey HC-111 (all $53/gallon). Tip: Buyers will pay more for a freshly painted and decorated house. Save by painting only a few feature walls.

5. Get sorted.
Potential buyers will open closets and cupboards, so pack half of the contents away and organize and colour-coordinate what’s left.

6. Think scents.
You may not notice pet or cigarette odours, but others will. Air the house thoroughly and use odour-neutralizing sprays or scented candles. Remove kitty litter and, during the showing, remove kitty, too. Ditto for Fido.

7. Warm it up.
If you’re showing at night, light a fire for a cozy feel. If it’s daytime, make sure every blind is open and the lights are turned on.

8. Park it.
Organize your garage as much as possible. It might mean hiding your stuff in neat-looking boxes or cabinets. Tip: Built-in storage can increase the resale value of your home.

9. Go green.
Bring in plants and fresh flowers for a sense of life.

Toronto Moving and Storage

If you’re among thousands of people who have picked up and moved their family to a new home or a new community, you have fresh memories of some of the ups and downs or thrills or frustrations of moving.

Drawing from personal experience, I know there are lots of ways to help make your household move easier and more smooth. Read here for help to get your life, and your possessions, organized for a peaceful and exciting move.

Make a list.

Write everything down! You’ll thank yourself later. Before you pack even one box, create a simple record keeping system. Create a computer-printed list of numbers with a space to write the contents. Or have a spiral-bound notebook for the job. You’ll place a number on EVERY box you pack and list the contents on your list. Don’t put the list down unless it’s in a place you’ll call Packing Central. This is where you’ll find your labels, marking pens, box tape, and other supplies.

Have plenty of supplies.

Don’t make me say this twice– you’ll need LOTS of boxes–probably more boxes than you think, and having enough boxes will make your life easier! (If you buy your boxes from a moving company, you can always return unused boxes for a refund. If you got them free from the grocery, just toss any leftovers.) Have about 10 boxes set aside to use for last minute items on moving day, such as bedding, clothing, and cleaning supplies. You’ll need strong plastic packing tape to close up the boxes securely. Use unprinted newsprint (newspaper can stain your items) or packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap and cushion household good. Again, you’ll need lots more supplies than you think, so get extra so the packing can go smoothly. Return any unused supplies after the truck is packed.

Utilize wardrobe boxes.

These tall boxes are perfect for bulky, lightweight items such as comforters, pillows, and blankets, as well as clothes that need to remain hanging. Call your mover to ask the width of the wardrobe boxes they’ll be bringing. Then measure the clothes in your closets (including coat closets) to see how many wardrobe boxes you’ll need. You can also use them for closet storage boxes, shoe boxes, and other bulky items such as fabric bolts, large baskets, or gift wrap tubes.

Don’t make the boxes too heavy to lift, however. One mover told the story of someone who put a bowling ball in a wardrobe box! When the box was lifted off the truck the bottom gave way, sending the bowling ball on a wild ride down the ramp, across the street to the gutter, then down a hill where it finally came to rest in a roadside ditch. (Is that a strike or a spare?)

Strategize wardrobe box use.

Moving companies will be happy to deliver boxes ahead of your moving day. Or if you’re doing the move yourself, get things organized as early as possible. A few days before your move, fill some sturdy handled shopping bags with bulky closet items such as shoes, sweaters, belts, and jeans. On moving day, fill the bottom of the wardrobe boxes with some of the shopping bags, then add your hanging clothing. Pack hanging items tightly so things won’t move around and fall off of hangers. Finally, cover the shoulders of your clothes (a dry cleaning bag works well), then add a few purses or sweaters on top. You’ll have fewer boxes, and closet items remain together. Also, the shopping bags will make it easier to retrieve your belongings from the bottoms of a tall wardrobe box.

Color coordinate.

Designate a color for each room in the new home, such as yellow for kitchen, orange for dining room, etc. Apply colored stickers on the box near the box number. In your new home. Put a matching sticker on the door to each room. The movers will know where to put everything when they arrive at the desitination. It’s also helpful to post a big sign on the wall in the room where you want boxes stacked, (”Boxes here please”) to keep them out of furniture and traffic areas.

Keep things together.

Insist on keeping things together when you or the movers are packing boxes. Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, and extension cords with appliances. Small, loose parts can be attached to the item they belong to with tape or placed in small envelopes — to keep picture hooks with pictures, shelf brackets with a bookcase, a special wrench and bolts with the wall unit. Keep larger corresponding items (such as a cable TV cord) in Ziplock bags, and tape these to the underside or back of the item. As a backup, have a “Parts Box” open on the kitchen counter and fill it with cables, cords, parts, pieces, brackets, or nails that are removed from any items of furniture. Keep this box with you, or mark it well with a rainbow of colored stickers so it can be easily located on move-in day.

Pack ahead.

Anything you can pack ahead will save you time on moving day. If it’s summer, get your winter clothes out of the way. You don’t really need 5 radios or TV’s around your house for the last few days there. Box up your shampoo and extra toothpaste and live out of a travel cosmetic case for the last week or two. Pare down cooking utensils and food supplies to bare essentials. Wastebaskets can also be packed (put things in them!) while you switch to using plastic grocery bags (hang them on a cabinet door or door handle to collect trash.)

Consolidate cleaning supplies.

If you must clean your old place after moving out, put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and rags. Clean anything possible ahead of time (the inside of kitchen cupboards, the oven, windows, etc.), and if possible, vacuum each room as movers empty it.

Use your luggage.

Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and paper goods. Even for local moves you’ll be able to quickly spot your navy suitcase holding your favorite sweaters, whereas “Box #189″ might remain elusive for days.

Safeguard valued items.

It’s a good idea to keep valuable possessions, such as silverware, collections, or antiques, with you. If you have a long move and no room in your car, bury the items in a box titled “Misc. from kitchen pantry”. Either way, check your homeowner’s insurance to see how you are covered during the move, and if you need additional insurance from the mover. Also, find out what paperwork (receipts, appraisals, and photos) you might need to file a claim in case of loss.

Keep important papers with you.

Your list of “important” papers might include: birth certificates, school records, mover estimates, new job contacts, utility company numbers, recent bank records, current bills, phone lists, closing papers, realtor info, maps, and more. Don’t leave these with the mover. Keep them with you!

Personal boxes.

Use brightly colored storage tote boxes, one for each person. Let each family member fill theirs with items they’ll want ‘right away’ in the new home — a set of sheets, a towel, a couple of extension cords, a phone, nightlights, address book, pens and paper, keys, kleenex, and travel cosmetic case, and so on.

Moving may not be the most fun you’ve ever had, but planning ahead will go a long way toward making the process bearable.

Before you follow some tips for packing below, make sure that you are aware of the insurance impact: if you pack yourself, you’ll have to prove that any damage to your property was caused by the moving company. This is tricky to do unless the box itself is severely damaged. If you are concerned about the safety of your property, you may opt to have the moving company for you (of course, this is more expensive).

Good Advice:

* Don’t reuse any boxes that have been used many times and are starting to wear. Keep in mind that that the box you pack could easily end up on the bottom of a large stack.
* Pack all boxes TO capacity. Boxes that are underfilled are more likely to be crushed and boxes that are overfilled can tear or fall apart
* Boxes should weigh about 25-30 lbs each. It’s important to be consistent here for the same of your friends (if you’re moving yourself) and the movers. When boxes weigh much more or less than people expect, accidents happen.
* Label all boxes as soon as you’re done packing them (e.g. “Bathroom”, “Bedroom”, “Kitchen”). When labeling, draw an arrow on the box to indicate which side is the top of the box and write the room label on multiple sides. This will save you a ton of time unpacking (or trying to find that one item that you need) and will help ensure the safety of your property while it’s being shipped.
* Don’t be afraid to start early! If you’re moving in the summer, there’s no reason that you can’t pack your winter clothes two months before your move date.
* Wrap all glassware, china, and breakables individually in towels or packing material. If you’re trying to save money, wrap each item in newspaper! Don’t be tempsted to cram items together–they’ll “clink” and break.
* Don’t pack it if you don’t need it! The cheapest way to pack and ship something is to NOT do it. If you don’t need something in a new location, sell it at a garage sale before you move. We see lots of people pack and ship items that they later realize they don’t need–what a waste!
* You can buy or rent garment boxes from a local temporary storage facility or truck rental moving company. These nifty boxes are like portable closets–you can ship clothing on its hanger.
* NEVER pack explosives, combustibles (gasoline), food of any kind, liquids, or pets. These could cause damage and will void your insurance.

Here are some additional tips from a kind visitor to our site.

* Get wine boxes from the stores, they have the individual dividers and you
can use them to pack your glasses.
* Use space bags for pillows and blankets and off season clothes, they
shrink down to practically nothing.
* Pack and put in the van in the order you want furniture to come out of the van. Have friends and movers assist you in putting all large pieces and furniture in its place before they leave, use the bottom of the closet in the appropriate room to put boxes in so the house will begin clean.
* Set up the kitchen first, this will save you money in the long run. Not having to order out!
* If you have a floor plan, draw how you want each room to be set up and put it on the door of that room, so you can be free to do other things than direct traffic. Labels bedroom furniture room 1, 2 and so on.

Do you have other packing tips for us? Please leave us a comment!

Two Months before your move

* Start to clean out things you won’t bring. Plan a yard sale to sell it. It’s not free to ship, so if you don’t need it, get rid of it! Clothes, old school projects, and strange gifts from ex’s all fall into this category.
* Start shopping around for a mover (check out our page on “how to pick a mover”). Decide if you want to pack yourself or have professions pack for you (often wise if you want to guarantee that insurance will cover breakage). Generally, two months is plenty of time though if you planning on moving in the summer months, you might want to start looking 10 weeks in advance to be safe.
* Insurance. While shopping for a mover, check out insurance and call your home owner’s insurance agent to see if you are already covered.
* Start talking to young children the impending move. Moves to new locations can be traumatic for young children. Preparing them in advance gives the child plenty of time to prepare for the move.

One Month before your move

* Start Packing. As early as one month before, you can buy boxes, packing supplies (markers, etc.) and tape. Pack rarely used china or off-season clothes (if they still fit!). When packing, keep in mind that it’s most important to fill boxes to capacity. Under-filled boxes can get crushed and over-filled boxes may fall apart. Pick the right size box for the job–boxes should be between 25-35 lbs each.
* Save all your bills. Remember to save your last bills–they have crucial information like account numbers and customer service telephone numbers that will help you change your utilities, credit cards, magazine subscriptions, etc.
* Change magazine subscriptions to new address. In the last few hectic weeks, you probably won’t have time to read them anyway!
* Get a copy of medical records. We’ve just heard too many horror stories of people losing medical records because they don’t see a physician or dentist for a while, etc. Get a copy of your medical records and transfer them to a new physician in your new location.

Two Weeks before your move

* Cancel your local newspaper. Or change the address if you get a major national paper delivered to your house.
* Notify all financial accounts of your move. Banks, credit cards, brokerages (401k, personal stocks/mutual funds, other investments, etc.) all need to know your new address. Make a list and call/write them all!

Three Days Before your move

* Disconnect major appliances. Refrigerator, washer and dryer, etc. should all be disconnected, defrosted, and dried out.
* Finish packing!
* Valuables. There are a small number of things that you’ll probably want to carry with you or in a personal suitcase. Passport, jewelry, cash, house deeds and other important documents should be set aside and stored in a safe place.
* First Night. For each member of your household, you’ll want to pack a few nights’ worth of clothes, bedding, toiletries, etc. And dishware for meals. Remember that it will take you some time to UNPACK on the other end!

Moving Day

* Enjoy! Since you’ve prepared so well, just relax while the movers load your well-packed boxes onto the truck!

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